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Definition of cholesterol

cholesterol

/kəˈlɛs.təˌrɔːl/
cho · les · ter · ol
Plural:cholesterols
•
Adjective:cholesteric
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cholesterol Lexical Profile

cholesterol Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A waxy, fat-like steroid alcohol present in animal cells and body fluids that is essential for building cell membranes and synthesizing hormones and vitamin D, though excessive levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Example

"Regular physical exercise and a diet rich in soluble fiber can help lower elevated blood cholesterol levels."

• Nearby Words

chokepoint
choker
cholera
cholesterol
cholo
choluteca
chomp

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a modification of French 'cholestérine' (introduced by chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul in 1815), derived from Ancient Greek 'chole' (bile) and 'stereos' (solid), because the substance was first discovered in solid form in gallstones, plus the chemical suffix '-ol' indicating an alcohol.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cholesterol. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cholesterol
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